Rutgers quarterback Kyle Bolin (9) throws a pass as Ohio State defensive end Nick Boss (97) moves in for a tackle during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017, in Piscataway.(Photo: Mel Evans, AP)

1. Chris Ash is mishandling the quarterback situation -- again. The second-year skipper got off to a banana-peel start last fall by sticking with Kyle Flood’s guy, Chris Laviano, before giving him the midseason hook. This season he’s shuffling Louisville transfer Kyle Bolin and freshman Johnathan Lewis in and out, and it’s not working (several dropped passes didn’t help; Rutgers' wide receivers went catchless). Bottom line: Show confidence in Bolin or turn the page with Lewis.

2. Anyone want to play defensive back? It’s been bad luck for Ash defensively. Kiy Hester and Saquan Hampton went down in the first half, meaning Rutgers is without three of its four starters in the secondary (Blessuan Austin already was out for the season). Ash should see if basketball coach Steve Pikiell can lend him junior guard Souf Mensah, who’s built like a safety, for the next couple of weeks.

Ohio State linebacker Dante Booker (33) intercepts a pass intended for Rutgers wide receiver Jawuan Harris (3) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017, in Piscataway.(Photo: Mel Evans, AP)

3. Hats off to Rob Martin. The senior running back crossed 2,000 career rushing yards, becoming the program’s 14th player to reach the milestone and the first since Ray Rice in 2006. That he’s averaged north of 5.0 yards per carry is a miracle (and a testament to his toughness) considering the state of the offense for much of his tenure.

4. Rutgers fans mailed it in. On a picturesque fall Saturday, against one of the sport’s brand names, the stadium was barely more than two-thirds full. That includes a not-too-small contingent of Buckeyes. This after competitive Rutgers showings against Washington and Nebraska. September apathy is a real bad look in a gridiron-mad league like the Big Ten.

5. When will the Greg Schiano statue get erected? With each passing year, the guy looks more and more like Bear Bryant. It was nostalgic to see him back on the banks as Ohio State’s defensive coordinator -- unless you were playing on Rutgers’ offense.

Staff writer Jerry Carino: jcarino@gannettnj.com.

Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer, left, greets Rutgers head coach Chris Ash before an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017, in Piscataway.(Photo: Mel Evans, AP)